Animal Services

The Washington County Animal Services Ordinance was revised and adopted in January 2015. It took effect on February 20, 2015. The final version of the approved code is available here under "Title 6 - ANIMALS."

Washington County Animal Services, located at the Bonnie L. Hays Small Animal Shelter, cares for lost animals, finds homes for abandoned pets, licenses dogs, enforces animal cruelty laws and protects our citizens from dangerous animals. Last year, we provided care for about 2,000 animals in our shelter, responded to more than 7,000 citizen calls, answered over 50,000 phone calls, and did community outreach at schools, fairs, and events.

Washington County is the second-largest county in Oregon with a population of more than 527,000 people. We provide services for an estimated 120,000 dogs and 130,000 cats and their owners in an area that encompasses 727 square miles.

VISION STATEMENT: A County that supports the health, well-being and safety of people and animals through education, compassion and respect.

MISSION STATEMENT: To provide a safe haven for animals in transition, protect animals from harm, and provide tools to the residents of our County to live safely, responsibly and respectfully with animals.

The Animal Shelter was named in memory of Bonnie Lynn Hays, a former Washington County commissioner and long-time supporter of animals.